Marin VEG February Newsletter
Subject:
Marin VEG February Newsletter
From:
Patti Breitman <eatplants@gmail.com>
Date:
1/31/2026, 10:12 AM
To:
undisclosed-recipients: ;

Marin VEG
February 2026

What do a groundhog, a valentine and an octopus have in common?  No joke! They are each the subject of a February event. (See the first item below.)
Also this month read about the new, misguided U.S. dietary guidelines, a veg restaurant closing and a vegan restaurant that is thriving for good reason. 
Additionally, learn about fish farms, factory farms and recipes that are hurting the planet, as well as cow news (They use tools!) and being the first to know when animal/vegan issues are in the news.



Thursday, February 5
Lark Theater Octopus Film and Talk
At 7 PM on Thursday, February 5 Arukah Animal International (https://www.arukahanimal.org/) will present a documentary focusing on the intelligence of octopuses and the effort to stop the world's first industrial octopus farm. Marine biologist Joe Mueller will speak and lead a conversation after the film, and food will be provided by The Good Earth and Kitti's Place. Tickets are $19.25 ($15.25 for students).  Get tickets at https://marinarts.org/event/stop-octopus-farming-showcase/



Why Veganism Matters
Ginny Messina, The Vegan RD, wrote a strong rebuttal to Toni Vernelli who was involved with Veganuary, but now says being vegan isn't as good as donating to animal welfare organizations.  I trust The Vegan RD on nutrition issues and admire her ethical and clear headed thinking as well.
Why I’m Still Vegan—and Why It’s a Choice that Matters – The Vegan RD



New U.S. Dietary Guidelines Defy Science, Promote Dairy and Meat
Here are a few responses to the new national dietary guidelines.  One is from Vegconomist, and one is from The Vegan RD (Virginia Messina). And the Center for Biological Diversity joined with the Center  for Science in the Public Interest to publish their own uncompromised guidelines drawn from science, not industry interests. 

New US Dietary Guidelines Flip the Food Pyramid in Favor of Meat and Dairy, Drawing Criticism from Health Advocates - vegconomist - the vegan business magazine

What the New Dietary Guidelines Mean for Vegans (and Everyone Else) – The Vegan RD

https://www.cspi.org/sites/default/files/2026-01/20260107_CSPI_uncompromisedDGA_report_4_FINAL.pdf



Cooking Up Climate Disaster
Food Recipes Are Hurting the Planet
The Center for Biological Diversity released a report on how published recipes that include beef are perpetuating and accelerating climate change.  The group is calling for media outlets to stop promoting beef and to substitute climate friendly recipes.  The statistics cited in the press release are breathtaking.  https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/report-popular-us-recipe-outlets-helping-to-cook-earths-climate-2025-12-11/


Factory Farms Are Pollution Factories
This harrowing opinion piece calls on factory farms to be treated as other factories and be subjected to regulations around pollution.  Reading just the beginning will reassure you that choosing a vegan diet is the right choice. 
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/20/opinion/manure-population-rivers-water.html?unlocked_article_code=1.GVA.He1i.Ih_Zx-FNd_ct&smid=url-share


Fishing and Fish Farms
One of many great email communications from Veganuary last month was about fish farms and the fishing industry.  Too many people choose to eat fish because they don't want to harm chickens and other land animals.  I hope these people will learn about how the fishing industry and fish farming are horrible for the fishes.
https://veganuary.com/en-us/problems-fishing-fish-farming/


Amy's in Rohnert Park to Close
The last Amy's Drive Through Vegetarian Restaurant will close in March. 
https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/bay-area-fast-food-amys-close-last-restaurant-21284347.php


Worth a Trip to Sebastopol
I recently enjoyed afternoon tea at the vegan Muir's Tea Room  in Sebastopol (330 South Main Street).  An endless pot of tea began the meal and hit the spot. The hard part was choosing which tea to enjoy from an array of more than a dozen varieties.  Then an overflowing tower of creative and scrumptious sandwiches, savory and sweet pastries, fresh fruit came to the table.  Attentive service in a welcoming and charming atmosphere made this my favorite meal in many a month.  Only an hour from San Rafael, Muir's Tea room is a great destination for a delicious day trip.  Reservations recommended.  Muirstearoomandcafe.com  I was glad to learn from the owner Christine that more than 80% of the people who eat there are not vegetarians or vegans.


Stay On Top of Vegan and Animal News Coverage
Karen Dawn has been working for years to ensure that media cover animal issues accurately and adequately.  I love getting her bulletins that encourage me to write to or call specific media outlets when a topic needs to be called to their attention. Learn more and sign  up at Dawnwatch.com


Cows Using Tools
People who know cows only as a food source or milk machine have never seen them in an unstressed environment.   These people will be particularly surprised to learn that cows who are not stressed have been documented using tools (like chimpanzees, dolphins, crows and octopuses).  Here is delightful video evidence from the New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/19/science/animals-cows-intelligence-tools.html?unlocked_article_code=1.IFA.2KEG.Yud2FgtXxqIs&smid=url-share



                                                                                          
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